Ratna Pathak Shah, with her versatility as an actress and impeccable screen presence, has etched her name in the list of notable names in the entertainment industry. The actress, who turned 67 often makes headlines for her strong opinions about challenges faced by females in the acting profession. She candidly speaks about the lack of better opportunities and unfair treatment. On the occasion of her birthday, let’s recall the times when the actress took a stand for many female actors in the industry while also urging for better roles for them.
Ratna Pathak Shah for Deepika Padukone
During a conversation with Rediff in 2014, Ratna reflected on the clack of challenging parts for Deepika Padukone. The Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai actress said, “They can barely write a good part for Deepika Padukone, so how are they going to write a good part for me? Poor girl, she has been around for several years now and she just got one decent part, something that is really going to stand the test of time.” She continued to add that India is changing and when the new actors will look back at the kind of films made previously, they will find it ridiculous.
Ratna Pathak Shah’s stand for Waheeda Rehman
On another occasion, the Kapoor & Sons actor called Waheeda Rehman a fabulous actress while also highlighting the lack of good roles for her. Speaking to the Film Companion after Rehman was conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Ratna noted, “I’m sorry that a Waheeda Rehman in our country doesn’t get the parts that she deserves. What a fabulous woman, and what a fabulous actress she is! All they want to do is give her a little award and stick her in one corner.” Moving ahead, she urged to give her a good role instead of the award.
Ratna Pathak Shah on Deepti Naval
Ratna, in a conversation with Siddharth Kannan last year, recalled Deepti Naval not being given enough films in her era. Reflecting that Naval was never given her due in the parallel cinema space, Ratna said, “Take a look at the films from that era, how many films could a wonderful actress like Deepti Naval do? There were only four figures, Naseer (Naseeruddin Shah), Om (Puri), Shabana (Azmi), Smita (Patil)!).”
Ratna Pathak Shah, in her decades-long career, has been a part of numerous projects including Mandi, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, Khoobsurat, Lipstick under my Burkha, and Kapoor & Sons.